The garment district packed a house of over 100 creators, designers, influencers, and overall fashion lovers for the inaugural Hot Girl Market Runway Show. 

Hosted by HGM’s founder, Lex, the runway exhibition featured independent, handmade designers to hone in on the brand’s mission – shopping sustainably and accessibly, with an emphasis on Y2K style. Designers included: 815.co, BODEGA BY V, Chloe Likes Pink, Sour Cherry, Sage & Saber, Infrared, Rayne, and FonkyMonky. 

Ahead of the runway show, Lex mentioned her desire to bring independent designers to the forefront of NYFW to emphasize the importance and advantages of buying from local businesses in favor of the mall and other fast fashion platforms. 

During the 45-minute production, attendees saw all the best these designers had to offer, from knitted creations to a skirt made from over 100 watches and even a bridal-esque wet dress – proving that trends and stylish pieces do not have to come at a consequential cost. 

Afterward, designers got to roll out the racks to sell their clothes as everyone danced the night away enjoying the sounds of a live DJ and refreshments by Mexican snack vendor Maya’s Snack Bar, Magnolia Bakery, Sanzo Sparkling Water, culture POP soda, and Smart Water.

At this time, we caught up with two of the designers who told us what this night meant to them. Oh, and what Y2K icon would they love to design a look for. 

My Hoang, founder of the watch-inspired brand Sage & Saber, mentioned she wanted to put a modern spin on vintage watches because they bring her a feeling of nostalgia. Furthermore, the designer, who was wearing a choker made from watches, discussed how her shop allows the customer to be their own designer—they pick out the watches, and Sage & Saber makes the pieces.

Y2K icon they would love to design for: Lucy Liu from Charlie’s Angels.
“I mean, that latex, the leopard, that’s the era; it’s all coming back,” she exclaimed.

Designer for BODEGA BY V. (and that stunning wet dress) Veronica Torres is inspired by her mother, a Santo Domingo native who owned a bodega, and the cultural background of the bodega, prominent in Latino communities, inspired her brand. 

“Bodega for me is family; it means crafty, scrappy, pulling things together. So, I want my designs to channel that Caribbean, Chino-Latino energy that makes me so happy.” 

Y2K icon they would love to design for: Jessica Alba (But, if she had to go further back than Y2K, she would choose musical icon, Selena.)

As customers flocked to the racks, exchanged Instagrams, and enjoyed the last songs of the night, it was clear that the first Hot Girl Market Runway Show would not be its last. As the only market curated toward the Hot Girls, we cannot wait to see what next season brings. Until then, HGM has events running all throughout the year in NYC and LA; keep up with all of the Hot Girl happenings here.